Spielberg donates props from Lincoln for auction

Steven Spielberg has donated props from Lincoln to the Wicklow Hospice Foundation (ONLINE BIDS BY EMAIL) for an auction at next week’s European premiere, in Dublin.

A series of film memorabilia including Lincoln’s handmade knife, Lincoln’s white gloves and miniature soldiers featured in the movie will all go under the hammer at the Dublin premiere next Sunday. All pictures,scripts and props will be signed by Daniel, Steven and sally as appropriate.

10 Photos signed by Daniel Day-Lewis / Steven Spielberg

Lincoln’s white gloves, signed by Daniel Day-Lewis and Steven Spielberg.

Leather bound hardback copy of shooting script signed by all principal actors in “Lincoln”

Hardback copy of “TEAM OF RIVALS” signed by author Doris Kearns Goodwin

According to movie sources it is unprecedented that such props are made available to the public – even the stars find it impossible to hold onto these items when filming is completed, and American collectors have joined the race to take ownership of them. Mr. Spielberg has made these items available as a personal favour to close friend Daniel Day-Lewis, who is patron of the Wicklow Hospice Foundation.

Daniel Day-Lewis, nominated for an Academy award for best actor for his portrayal of Lincoln in the movie, has donated the Dublin premiere of the movie to raise funds towards building a Hospice facility in Co. Wicklow, where he lives when not filming.

Word of the auction has now reached the US and Wicklow Hospice Foundation has been inundated with requests to allow American bidders to get in on the act. The charity has agreed to accept email bids to the address [email protected] advance of Sunday’s gala event.

Wicklow Hospice Foundation Chair Dr. Brendan Cuddihy says the charity has been overwhelmed by the interest from the US, and are hopeful that it bodes well for the auction:

“The highest email bid will be the reserve price on the night and unless we receive a higher bid in the room, the email bid will receive the item. However it is hoped that some of the items will find a home in Ireland. We have also decided to make some of the film props available through an on-line auction after the premiere next week, so there is worldwide access to some of the memorabilia. Hopefully this will raise further funds to build the Wicklow Hospice.”

“Props of this quality never come on the market and are closely protected by movie studios. Now that Lincoln is hotly tipped to scoop multi Academy awards, we’re being told the value is even higher.”

Steven Spielberg, Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, management from Twentieth Century Fox and a host of Irish celebrities will be attending the spectacular Dublin premiere of Lincoln next Sunday – the only European premiere.